Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying delicious food. While the turkey often takes center stage, desserts play a crucial role in rounding out the festive meal.
A variety of sweet treats can add the perfect finishing touch to your holiday feast.
These 15 Thanksgiving dessert recipes will help you create memorable sweets for your celebration. From classic pies to creative cakes and cookies, you’ll find options to suit every taste.
Whether you prefer traditional flavors or want to try something new, these recipes offer a mix of time-honored favorites and fresh ideas to impress your guests.
Pumpkin pie is a Thanksgiving classic. This sweet and spicy dessert brings warmth to any holiday table.
You can make it with canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin puree. Mix in eggs, milk, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Pour the filling into a pie crust and bake until set. The result is a creamy, rich pie with a golden-brown top.
Serve your pumpkin pie chilled or at room temperature. Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Try different toppings like pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also experiment with the crust, using graham crackers or gingersnaps for a twist.
Pecan pie is a beloved Southern classic that’s perfect for Thanksgiving. You’ll love its sweet, gooey filling and crunchy pecan topping.
To make pecan pie, mix eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour this mixture over pecans in a pie crust.
Bake your pie at 350°F for about 50-60 minutes. The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center.
For extra flavor, try adding a splash of bourbon or a handful of chocolate chips. You can also arrange whole pecans on top in a pretty pattern before baking.
Serve your pecan pie warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it even more delicious.
Sweet potato casserole is a beloved Thanksgiving dessert. You can make this dish by mashing cooked sweet potatoes with sugar, vanilla, eggs, and butter.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top it with a crumbly mixture of brown sugar, flour, and butter. Some recipes add chopped pecans to the topping for extra crunch.
Bake the casserole until the top is golden brown and crispy. The result is a sweet, creamy dish with a delightful contrast of textures.
You can serve sweet potato casserole as a side dish or dessert. It’s a versatile recipe that pairs well with both savory and sweet foods on your Thanksgiving table.
Pumpkin cheesecake brings together two beloved desserts for a Thanksgiving treat. This creamy dish combines the tanginess of cheesecake with warm pumpkin spices.
To make it, mix graham cracker crumbs with butter and sugar for the crust. Press this into a springform pan and bake briefly.
For the filling, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Pour this mixture over the crust.
Bake the cheesecake in a water bath for even cooking. Let it cool completely before serving. Top with whipped cream for an extra special touch.
This dessert combines the tart flavor of cranberries with zesty orange for a perfect Thanksgiving treat. The cake is moist and bursting with fruity goodness.
You’ll love how the cranberries add pops of color and tangy taste throughout the cake. The orange zest and juice give it a bright, citrusy note that balances the sweetness.
This cake is easy to make ahead of time. You can bake it a day or two before Thanksgiving and store it covered at room temperature.
Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch. Your guests will be asking for the recipe!
This pie combines sweet maple syrup, rich bourbon, and caramel for a decadent twist on classic apple pie. Start by tossing sliced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
Cook the apples briefly to soften them. Make a caramel sauce with butter, sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of bourbon. Pour this over the apples.
Fill a pie crust with the apple-caramel mixture. Top with a lattice crust or full crust with slits cut for venting. Brush the top with egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake until the crust is browned and filling is bubbling. Let cool before slicing. Serve with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Spice cake is a perfect Thanksgiving dessert. It’s warm, cozy, and full of fall flavors. You can make it easily at home.
Start by mixing flour, baking powder, and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. In another bowl, combine brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix the wet and dry ingredients together.
Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake until done. Let it cool before frosting.
For the cream cheese frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Spread it on the cooled cake.
This spice cake is moist and flavorful. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy touch. Your guests will love this tasty dessert.
Gingerbread trifle is a tasty twist on classic Thanksgiving desserts. You can make this treat by layering cubes of gingerbread cake with pumpkin pudding and whipped cream.
Start by baking gingerbread cake and cutting it into small cubes. Mix instant vanilla pudding with pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon and ginger.
In a clear glass bowl, create alternating layers of gingerbread cubes, pumpkin pudding, and whipped cream. Repeat until you reach the top of the bowl.
Chill the trifle for a few hours before serving. This dessert looks impressive and tastes even better, combining the flavors of gingerbread and pumpkin in one delicious dish.
Cranberry Apple Crumble is a tasty Thanksgiving dessert that combines sweet apples with tart cranberries. To make it, mix sliced apples and cranberries with sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
Pour this mixture into a baking dish. Then create a crumbly topping with oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter. Sprinkle the topping over the fruit.
Bake the crumble in a 350°F oven for about 45-50 minutes. The result is a warm, fruity dessert with a crisp, golden topping.
You can serve this crumble on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a comforting treat that captures the flavors of fall.
A pumpkin roll is a delicious Thanksgiving dessert that combines spiced pumpkin cake with creamy filling. To make one, you’ll need a jelly roll pan and parchment paper.
Mix pumpkin, eggs, sugar, and spices for the cake batter. Spread it in the lined pan and bake until done. While still warm, roll the cake in a towel to cool.
For the filling, beat cream cheese, butter, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling, and roll it back up.
Chill the pumpkin roll before serving. Dust with powdered sugar for a festive look. This impressive dessert will wow your guests at Thanksgiving dinner.
A caramel apple galette is a tasty twist on traditional apple pie. You’ll love this rustic dessert with its flaky crust and sweet apple filling.
To make the crust, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add water to form a dough. Roll it out into a circle on a floured surface.
For the filling, slice apples and mix with sugar and spices. Arrange them in the center of the dough, leaving space around the edges. Fold the edges over the apples.
Brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 375°F for about 40 minutes until golden brown. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Butterscotch pudding is a creamy, sweet treat perfect for Thanksgiving. You can make it from scratch or use a pudding mix for convenience.
To make homemade butterscotch pudding, you’ll need brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Cook the ingredients over medium heat until thickened.
For an easy layered dessert, spread a mixture of cream cheese and whipped topping over a graham cracker crust. Top with butterscotch pudding and chill until set.
Serve your butterscotch pudding in individual cups or as part of a larger dessert. Add whipped cream and a sprinkle of toffee bits on top for extra flavor and texture.
Brown butter pumpkin cupcakes are a perfect Thanksgiving treat. They blend warm fall flavors with a rich, nutty taste.
To make these cupcakes, you’ll brown butter first. This gives the cupcakes a deep, toasty flavor. Mix the browned butter with pumpkin puree, spices, and other ingredients.
Bake the cupcakes until they’re golden and springy. Let them cool before frosting. For the topping, try a cream cheese frosting with brown butter mixed in.
These cupcakes are easy to make and sure to impress your guests. The pumpkin keeps them moist, while the brown butter adds a special touch. They’re a tasty twist on classic pumpkin desserts for your Thanksgiving table.
Tips for Choosing Thanksgiving Desserts
Picking the right desserts can make your Thanksgiving feast extra special. A good mix of flavors and options will keep everyone happy.
Balancing Flavors
Choose desserts with different tastes. Pick one or two pumpkin treats, like a classic pie or cheesecake. Add an apple dessert, such as apple crisp or pie. Include a chocolate option too, like brownies or chocolate pecan pie.
Mix up textures as well. Have some creamy desserts and some with crunch. A pudding or mousse goes well with a crunchy cookie or tart.
Don’t forget about fruity options. Cranberry bars or a fruit tart can add a fresh taste to your dessert table.
Considering Dietary Restrictions
Ask your guests about food allergies or diet needs.
Have at least one gluten-free choice, like a flourless cake or fruit crisp with oats. Make a dairy-free option, such as a vegan pumpkin pie or fruit sorbet.
Nut allergies are common, so label any dishes with nuts clearly. For sugar-free needs, try a dessert sweetened with fruit or artificial sweeteners. Fresh fruit with whipped cream (regular or non-dairy) is always a good choice.
Offer smaller portions too. Mini pies or bite-sized treats let people taste more without overeating.
Essential Baking Techniques
Mastering key baking skills will elevate your Thanksgiving desserts. Focus on perfecting your pie crusts and creating smooth fillings for delicious results.
Perfecting Your Pie Crust
Start with cold ingredients. Use ice water and chilled butter for the best texture.
Cut the butter into small pieces and mix it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add water slowly, mixing just until the dough comes together. Don’t overwork it, or your crust will be tough.
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface. Turn it often to keep it from sticking.
For a flaky crust, fold the dough in thirds, then roll it out again.
Creating Smooth and Creamy Fillings
For custard-based fillings, use room temperature eggs and dairy. This helps them blend smoothly without lumps.
Strain your fillings through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any bits of egg or spice. This step ensures a silky texture.
Heat custards gently over low heat, stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture coats the back of a spoon.
For cheesecake fillings, beat the cream cheese until smooth before adding other ingredients. Scrape down the bowl often to avoid lumps.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to cracks in your finished cheesecake.
Presentation and Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Thanksgiving desserts with eye-catching presentation and perfect pairings. Simple touches can make your sweet treats look as good as they taste.
Garnishing Ideas
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top of pies and cakes for a festive touch.
Place a dollop of whipped cream on each slice of pie or cake. You can pipe it on for a fancier look.
Dust powdered sugar over brownies or cookies using a fine mesh strainer.
Try these easy garnishes:
Candied pecans or walnuts
Chocolate shavings
Fresh fruit slices
Mint leaves
Caramel or chocolate drizzle
Use seasonal items like mini pumpkins or colorful leaves around your dessert platter. This adds a nice Thanksgiving touch to your table.
Serving with Complementary Beverages
Pair your desserts with drinks that enhance their flavors.
Hot beverages work well with most Thanksgiving sweets. Offer coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to your guests. For something special, try spiced apple cider or pumpkin spice lattes.
Consider these pairings:
Pecan pie with bourbon
Pumpkin desserts with chai tea
Apple pie with mulled wine
Chocolate desserts with port wine
Provide small glasses of dessert wine or liqueur for adults. This can add an extra layer of flavor to the dessert experience.
Remember to offer non-alcoholic options too. Sparkling cider or flavored seltzers can be refreshing choices.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
